Everyone has a story behind the reason they dedicate their time and effort to their sport. Sometimes we forget the real reason we lace up everyday to head out on court or field. Every personal story has a voice that should be heard to remind us that Its Not Just A Sport. The Following stories are from those who play for a reason and are confident in sharing their reasons why.
“Twirling is a unique sport that most people don’t do, which is one of the reasons why I love it so much. I twirl because it keeps me active and helps to relax me when I’m stressed out. My sport has taught me poise, sportsmanship, and much more that has been useful for job interviews but also for everyday life. I’ve made life long friendships with people from all over the nation, which never would have happened if I didn’t twirl. I twirl because I fell in love with it when I was three years old and could never seem to stop. Twirling has taken over my life but I wouldn’t change the sport I do for anything.”
– Ashley B. (19)
“I’ve never looked at my sport in a loving way than I did after I tore my ACL. I used to not care if we won a game and most often used the words, “Lets just get this over with.” before we were playing a tournament game in the summer when I’d rather be in a pool. After sitting on the sideline, watching my team play the game I love for over 7 months, I never take playing for granted. Coming back wasn’t an easy task, but I was motivated to run on the court again and get victories with my team. Basketball is not just a game to me, it’s something that I fell in love with since elementary school.”
– Baylee B. (19)
“It means a lot to me to be able to do the thing I love most in this world, which is dancing. I have danced my entire life, from the age of two; even though, sometimes it can be tough with the long hours and grueling practices, I dance because I am truly passionate about it. For me, dance is a form of stress relief, which allows me to release all my pent up feelings and emotions. Also, dancing allows me to express myself in a way that words don’t have the ability to, which is something very unique about it. Lastly, I dance because I like to be a part of a team. When you sweat together, cry together, laugh together, celebrate together, and overall, dance together, it is very easy to become a close-knit family with your dance team, which is why I love to dance.”
– Kayla W. (18)
“Most people don’t consider twirling baton a sport, which is part of the reason I do it. Baton twirling combines dance and gymnastics moves all while throwing a metal stick in the air. It takes coordination, flexibility, and stamina to perform a 10 minute halftime routine each week. The feeling of running onto Heinz field each Saturday is exhilarating and exciting. The mix of performing difficult tricks and being in front of thousands of people is why I chose to audition to be a Pitt Golden Girl. It’s something only 12 people out of 18,000 say they can do.”
– Megan D. (19)